CAI problems and prospects

Abstract

The expression "computer-assisted instruction" (CAI) is generally used to describe situations in which the computer is used as a teaching surrogate in some sense---whether as drill instructor, tester, or specialized tutor. Most applications of this kind have had specific, limited, and modest educational goals. When used to administer drills or branching tests, a computer is not called upon to be intelligent---only useful. Yet it is interesting and important to ask whether the computer can become an intelligent artificial teacher, and more generally, whether there are valuable ways of using computers for teaching and learning.